Most of you know the iconic, and likely apocryphal, story of the tourist walking down Broadway seeking directions to a famous destination. The tourist bumps into someone that we used to call a “beatnik” and innocently asks “How do I get to Birdland?” Without batting an eye or hesitating at all, the man with a beard, knapsack and instrument case says “Practice, man, practice.” I was 7 years old when I first heard that story. My drum teacher, Andy Maloney, told it to me with the hope that I would be more attentive to my lessons. Unfortunately, at 7, I was more interested in how I could get to Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals, than taking over for either Buddy Rich or Gene Krupa.
Neither dream materialized. Not even close. It was not my fault entirely. Lack of rhythm doomed my drumming career and the inability to locate any position on the baseball field where I could safely play cut short my life in baseball. Sadly, I was born too early to be a designated hitter. Yet, to this day, music and baseball are dominant passions in my life. Tennis has creeped in there as a participant sport as well as being a fan.
That passions of our youth dominate our lives is a common thread among our jazz musicians. Almost every story of how they began their musical journey begins at 5 years old! Family roots in music is also a common thread, but, invariably, early in their development, something occurred that cemented their goal of being a musician and placed them on a path to excel.
Houston Person tells us that his father encouraged him to play, but it was his realization that he could forego working on the family farm if he practiced hard. The John Pizzarelli story is a simple one. Son of one of the most heralded jazz guitarists in the world, Bucky, John followed in his footsteps. Emmet Cohen grew up in a musical household as well, but it was Oscar Peterson that moved him to go further. Growing up poor in apartheid South Africa, Jonathan Butler used his voice and his guitar to find a better life.
These quick tidbits are a drop in the bucket of stories of inspiration, dedication and commitment that our musicians possess. But, just as the Birdland story suggests, no matter how talented, prompted or encouraged these folks are, their current positions and stature is attributable to hard work and practice. Allen Iverson, famous for his rant against “practice,” is not the role model for a professional musician.
David Sanborn shared his daily practice regimen with me once. I was exhausted just listening to it. It began with fundamentals, moved to what he called exercises and then proceeded to encompass however many genres of music he felt was necessary to feel accomplished. Cruise host, Chris Botti, is famous for his rigorous practice routine, as is the amazing Arturo Sandoval. Our Music Director, Eric Marienthal, is so obsessed with practicing that he has been known to put himself on mute during our conference calls while he plays his saxophone.
I have asked Dave Weckl, Jeff Hamilton, Herlin Riley and Lewis Nash to share their drum practice routines with me. They each lost me when they said “…and for the second hour, I do….”. I was looking for the 15–20 minute daily routine that would elevate my drumming to a professional level. Not so much!
At that point I could hear Andy Maloney saying to me, between sips of buttermilk to ease his ulcer, “you need to practice more or you will be wasting your parents’ money.” He was right! $5/hour in 1957 was a lot of money!
By Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of The Jazz Cruise, The Smooth Jazz Cruise, Chris Botti at Sea, Christian McBride’s World at Sea, Journey of Jazz, David Foster: The Hitman Cruise and Top Shelf Country Cruise. Feel free to express your views or pose questions to him at michael@scecruises.com.
Samara Joy & the Christian McBride Big Band
On July 30, Mack Avenue released a single featuring guest star vocalist Samara Joy performing the jazz standard “Old Folks” with the Christian McBride Big Band. This track is the second single from Christian’s upcoming release Without Further Ado, Vol 1, a new album featuring his big band and an all-star cast of special guests, including Joy, Ledisi, Angélique Kidjo, Sting, Andy Summers, Jeffrey Osborne, José James, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dianne Reeves and Antoinette Henry, several of whom will also perform with Christian during McBride’s World at Sea.
The album will be released on August 29. On Sunday, the big band, along with some surprise guests, will perform at the Newport Jazz Festival.
Kurt Elling Joins Hadestown Cast
Starting on September 2, Kurt Elling will be joining the cast of Hadestown, the hit Broadway musical written by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell. Kurt will take over the role of the Greek god Hermes, which is currently being played by Tony Award nominee Daniel Breaker. The musical, which debuted six years ago, has won eight Tony awards, including one for Best Musical.
“Just as at the rarified banquet table of the jazz family, people in the Broadway world have given their lives and sacrificed in a million ways to earn a seat,” Kurt told us.
“And here I come. Certainly having earned my little perch or pulpit, but owing it to them, to the craft, to opportunity in front of me, and to the show itself to come in hot and ready to work. It is a thrill to step into a wholly new creative circle. I am excited about connecting to, collaborating with, and learning from whole constellations of artists that are unknown to me at this time.”
Upcoming Webinars
Whether you’re counting down the days to your next adventure or just daydreaming about ocean breezes and island escapes, we have upcoming cruise webinars for almost everyone. Get insider tips if you’re already booked, explore destinations and excursions if you’re still browsing or simply join us to be in the virtual presence of some of our cruise superstars.
Botti at Sea: Live Lineup Reveal
Set your sights on the horizon! While we may be a year away from embarkation, there’s already plenty of exciting news to share about Botti at Sea III (‘26).
Join Michael Lazaroff, Executive Director of Signature Cruise Experiences, and the SCE team for an exclusive webinar filled with the latest updates – including an expanded artist lineup, special excursion details, programming previews and more.
Plus, enjoy a special appearance from Chris Botti, stopping by to share in the excitement! Whether you’re already booked or considering joining us, this is your chance to get a first look at what’s in store for this unforgettable musical journey at sea.
DATE: AUGUST 6, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Christian McBride World at Sea: Livestream
Back in April, Christian McBride hosted a livestream to cover all the ins and outs of Christian McBride’s World at Sea. The event was so much fun that Christian wants to do it all over again! So, as we draw closer and closer to embarkation day, we hope you’ll join us for another Christian McBride’s World at Sea Livestream event! Plus, word on the street is that Christian will be welcoming a special guest. Who will it be? Sign up to find out!
DATE: AUGUST 11, 2025
TIME: 2:00 PM ET
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise Connect
Join us for programing insights, cruise news and more can’t miss information about David Foster: The Hitman Cruise! Plus, hear from The Hitman himself, David Foster, his wife, Katharine McPhee and more of the stars of David Foster: The Hitman Cruise.
Connect with us on August 13!
DATE: AUGUST 13, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Journey of Jazz: Get Ready Webinar
Now that Celebrity’s Mobile App Check-In for Journey of Jazz is open, we know many of you are ready to dive into Check-In and the Pre-Cruise Planner. We’re here to help!
Join us as we walk through important last-minute reminders, share helpful tips, and answer your questions in real time. This is your opportunity to hear the latest updates and get the clarity you need for smooth sailing.
DATE: AUGUST 14, 2025
TIME: 3:00 PM ET
Stateroom Availability
Cruise Programs – 2025
| Journey of Jazz | Fully-Reserved. Cancellations filled from Waitlist |
Cruise Programs – 2026
| David Foster: The Hitman Cruise | Open Booking Now |
| Christian McBride’s World at Sea | Open Booking Now; Christmas in August Prices for All Remaining Staterooms begins August 8 |
| The Jazz Cruise ’26 | Over 80% Reserved – Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.2 | Fully reserved; Join Waitlist |
| Top Shelf Country Cruise | Over 75% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 | Over 85% Reserved; Open Booking Now |
| Botti at Sea ’26 | Open Booking Now; Final Lineup Announcement Soon! |
Signature Cruise Experiences’ Programs
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise
5 Days, 5 Nights, 5 Star Experience
David Foster: The Hitman Cruise will deliver five incredible days and nights of five-star entertainment, all centered around the music and career of 16-time GRAMMY® winner David Foster. Michael McDonald, Babyface, Katharine McPhee and other preeminent talents will join us aboard.
Open Booking has begun and staterooms are already moving fast! Act soon to reserve your stateroom of choice.
Christian McBride’s World at Sea
Limited Time Promotional Pricing
Open Booking has begun! Special Christmas in August pricing available on ALL remaining staterooms beginning August 8.
The Jazz Cruise ’26
is in Open booking
The Jazz Cruise ’26 will be sold out before you know it. It happens every year since 2001. Book Now to secure your place on the Greatest Jazz Festival in the World.
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.1 and‘26.2 are Fully Reserved
Of course, you may join the Waitlist. Or, if you’d prefer to sail the West Coast this fall (two novel concepts for this program), consider joining us on The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3.
Top Shelf Country Cruise
is now in Open Booking
With premium talent like Keith Urban, Lee Brice, Scotty McCreery, Parmalee, LeAnn Rimes, Thelma & James and Kassi Ashton, Top Shelf Country Cruise earns its title as the First-Class Country Music Cruise! Reserve your stateroom today!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3
is in Open Booking
For the first time in many years, The Smooth Jazz Cruise will sail on the West Coast!
The Smooth Jazz Cruise ‘26.3 is in Open Booking and staterooms are more than 85% reserved. Reserve your stateroom today!
Botti at Sea ’26
is in Open Booking
On August 6, the full lineup of artists and excursions will be announced. Though the cruise is more than a year away, staterooms are being reserved at a record clip. Reserve your stateroom today!
Journey of Jazz ’25 is Fully Reserved
Journey of Jazz is now fully reserved. All cancellations will be filled through the Waitlist.